Genital warts have been described since ancient times. The viruses that cause the warts are varieties of the human papilloma virus (HPV). These viruses have an incubation period (interval between exposure to infection and appearance of the first symptom) of one to six months. The infectivity (risk of infecting others) is highest soon after development of the lesion. Transmission is usually sexual, with more than 50% of contacts being affected. Their appearance around the anus may be related to anal intercourse. The entire lower genital tract is usually involved, although it may be without obvious symptoms.
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Once a person is infected, the virus remains in the body for life. It is estimated that over 50% of sexually active adults are carriers, with men and women being equally affected. The risk of being a carrier rises with the number of sexual partners.
In men they occur within the urethra (tube from the bladder) and on the shaft of the penis. In women, the warts occur on the vulva, the vaginal wall, the cervix and the genital area in general.
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